Greater mission begins Miss Tourism Zim sets sights on global stage

NEWLY crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Zanele Moyo, has set her sights on taking Zimbabwean culture, creativity and tourism beyond the country’s borders as she begins her reign.

Moyo was crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe on Saturday after edging out 12 other contestants at the grand finale held in Harare.

Initially, 16 models were set to take part in the competition before three dropped out. Participating models were Lisa Kwainona, Beautify Siziba, Vimbainashe Mutyavaviri, Zanele Moyo, Zandile Sibanda, Ropafadzo P Manyanga, Ruvarashe Jane Darare, Petronella Phiri, Letween Pikire, Noxolo Dube, Kathleen Chaziya, Mavhu Alexandra Kaseke and Silence Tadzembwa.

In an interview following her victory, Moyo, a Bulawayo-based model affectionately known as Jewel, said while the crown marks a major achievement, it also signals the beginning of a greater mission.

“Each title has been a building block. Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026 isn’t just another win; it’s a bigger responsibility, and I’m ready for all the responsibilities it comes with,” she said.

Last year, she was crowned Miss Uhuru Zimbabwe, a title she said helped prepare her for this latest achievement.
“Miss Uhuru Zimbabwe reign taught me that a crown is not a finish line, it’s a starting point. It gave me the foundation to launch Project Discover Zimbabwe, deepen my philanthropy work with orphanages and grow as a peer educator for girls and women,” she said.

Central to her reign is a vision anchored on three pillars – Promote, Include and Preserve – which she believes will not only uplift local tourism but also position Zimbabwe on the global map.

“I’ll use my platform and print business to promote Zimbabwe’s hidden gems, from Matopos to Binga, ensuring tourism benefits communities, not just cities. I’m also launching ‘See Your Country First’ to help schoolchildren and low-income families experience our heritage sites, because you cannot take pride in what you’ve never seen.

“I’ll also work with cultural dance groups, hymn groups and traditional leaders to ensure our heritage is shared with respect and that its custodians benefit directly. The crown lasts a year, but the impact should not. I want my reign to build systems that outlive my sash,” said Jewel.

With over four years in the modelling industry, Moyo views her latest role as a stepping stone towards international representation.

“I began modelling at 18, not just for the runway, but because I saw it as a platform to tell bigger stories. For me, it has never been about the photos alone; it’s about confidence, representation and using visibility to open doors for advocacy.

“Over the years, that journey has evolved into pageantry, commercial work, and now serving as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2026. Every step has been about learning to carry myself and my country with purpose.”

Her long-term ambition is clear: to represent Zimbabwe on some of the world’s biggest fashion platforms.

“It’s the reason I’m able to stand here today with a clear vision of how I want to use creativity to promote tourism, culture and my community. One milestone I’m yet to achieve in my artistic journey is representing my country on an international stage. As a creative and model, I aspire to walk on global platforms such as Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, and to work with international brands like Vogue.

“However, I see this not as something I failed to achieve, but as something I’m still working towards. My journey in art, media and pageantry has taught me that growth takes time, and every step I take now is preparing me for those global opportunities,” said Jewel.

Jewel, who draws inspiration from Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida, said she aims to use modelling as a tool to positively impact the lives of girls and women.

“Musida inspires me because she represents a kind of beauty that goes beyond appearance. I admire how she used her platform to speak about mental health, education and self-acceptance, and how she stayed true to who she is, even when she was different from what people expected a beauty queen to look like.

“She inspires me to be a woman of purpose, not just a woman of the crown. As someone passionate about community development, entrepreneurship and promoting my city, Bulawayo, through tourism and media, I relate to her courage to use her voice to make an impact,” said Jewel.

She emphasised that a queen is not chosen solely for her looks, but for her leadership, service and pride in representing her people.

“The most challenging part of my artistic journey has been learning to believe in my vision even when others did not fully understand it. I’ve had moments where progress felt slow and support was limited. However, those challenges taught me discipline, patience and confidence in my purpose. I learnt that being a model is not only about talent, but about consistency, courage and the willingness to keep creating even when the results are not immediate,” she said.

Recently, the 22-year-old attended the Imiklomelo KaDakamela Awards, which she described as a milestone in her artistic journey and a powerful reminder of the richness of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.

“Being part of the Dakamela event was a reminder of why I do this work. It was powerful: the culture, the unity, the pride in our traditions. For me, showing up wasn’t about geography; it was about solidarity.

“As Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, my duty is to celebrate and uplift all our cultural expressions, not just the ones near me. Dakamela showed me again that our heritage is alive, and it deserves a global stage. I left inspired, and even more committed to making sure the world sees what I saw there,” she said.

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